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Sinn Féin to launch Agenda for Rural Ireland

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams MP, West Tyrone MP Pat Doherty, and party spokesperson on Agriculture and Rural Development Fermanagh South Tyrone MP Michelle Gildernew will launch its agenda for agriculture and rural regeneration 'Delivering for Rural Ireland' tomorrow, Tuesday 27th February, at 11.45 am in the Sinn Féin Offices, 4 - 5 James Street, Omagh.

Speaking ahead of the launch Ms Gildernew said:

"The decline in farming has not only rendered many rural families more dependent on off-farm employment or on EU transfer payments than farming itself as a primary source of income, it has also eroded other comer stones of rural communities, such as schools and post offices.

"Sinn Féin is commitment to keeping faming families on the land and ensuring a good quality of life for everyone living in rural communities.

"We believe that agriculture and fishing can be made sustainable within the context of an all-Ireland farming and fisheries policy.

"At the heart of our approach is the need for genuine consultation and engagement with farmers and fishermen, rural businesses and rural communities and their representative organisations that links agriculture, fisheries, enterprise, environment, culture, health, education, transportation, communication and social services."

Sinn Féin Priorities include:

· An all-Ireland Rural White Paper
· A comprehensive, fully integrated, properly resourced Rural Regeneration Strategy
· Removal of 'UK' status from our food exports
· Keeping Ireland GM free
· Reform of Planning Services to protect the right of rural people to live within their own community
·End cutbacks in the provision of services to rural communities.